Barcelona told to make ‘sensible’ Marcus Rashford decision amid Robert Lewandowski expected exit

Barcelona have been told there’s not much risk in keeping Marcus Rashford at the club beyond the end of his season-long loan.

However, the Spanish giants could opt for another temporary stint instead of a permanent move for the England international.

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Rashford joined Barca on loan from Manchester United in the summer with an option to buy included in the deal.

That clause is understood to be worth £30million at the end of the campaign.

The 28-year-old has since scored seven goals and provided 11 assists in 27 appearances across all competitions for the club this season.

Only Lamine Yamal has produced more goal contributions with nine goals and 11 assists to his name.

Rashford’s arrival came after he spent the second half of last season with Aston Villa, having fallen out of favour under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

Although the Portuguese coach has now left United, Rashford’s future appears to be with Barca.

Should Barca sign Rashford permanently?

European football journalist Andy Brassell believes the finances of the deal mean Rashford is likely to stay at the Nou Camp beyond this season.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Brassell explained: “I do think he’s probably the most sensible financial deal out there.

“He’s maybe the cheapest financial deal out there. They may even loan him for an extra year.

“He’s taken a fair hit on his wages and if United are keen on moving him on permanently and if something can be worked out, it feels like one of the best deals out there for Barcelona because they know he works there already. There’s not as much risk as there would be buying a player fresh.

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“I think if they go out there and try and buy someone of Marcus Rashford’s quality on the open market, it’s going to be a heck of a lot more expensive.

“We’ve got to bear in mind as well that next season, they’ll probably, almost certainly, have Robert Lewandowski’s wages off the books.”

Robert Lewandowski is currently out of contract at the end of the season and has yet to pen a new deal.

His current contract does include a performance-based extension clause, though.

Despite that, the Polish striker is expected to leave the club after four years in the summer.

Lewandowski will turn 38 in August and has already missed five matches as a result of muscles injuries this season.

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His goal against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday took his tally to 111 in 167 appearances for Barca.

Meanwhile, Rashford made a seven-minute cameo off the bench in a 3-2 win for Hansi Flick’s side.